LARRIKIN LET’S LOOSE

LARRIKIN ROGUE LETS RIP

What a sight it was — Larrikin Rogue letting rip down the middle of the Doomben straight to blow his rivals away on Saturday.

The champagne flowed freely in the Winner’s Owners Room, with QLD Rogues owners delirious after a stunning last-to-first victory over the mile.

You really had to see it to believe it.

After originally drawing barrier 17 and finding himself buried away back on the fence, Larrikin unleashed a Chautauqua-like finish, storming over the top of his rivals and sending the Rogues into raptures.

RODD AND LARRIKIN — A SPECIAL BOND

Melbourne Cup and Cox Plate-winning jockey Michael Rodd has developed a soft spot for Larrikin Rogue.

He’s ridden far better horses — champions, in fact — but Larrikin holds a special place, having been one of Rodd’s first rides back after spending two-and-a-half years on the sidelines with post-concussion symptoms.

After Saturday’s win, Rodd was quick to tell Sky Racing about his association with the horse.

“He was one of the first rides back when I got injured years ago, so that was nice.

“Everyone knows he is very quirky; he’s not a headache to ride as a rider, but he doesn’t always let down.

“They rocked along up front; I was able to get a really nice run through them, and I gave him a squeeze, and he took off.

“It was very unlike Larrikin Rogue today; everything seemed to go right.”

Rodd joked, but there was no hiding how much he enjoyed the win.

SOME SORT OF EFFORT

It’s fair to say Larrikin Rogue has become something of a personal mission for trainer Chris Anderson.

Now a seven-year-old, Chris has had him throughout his entire career, which now stands at four wins and 10 minor placings — a record that reflects just how tricky his racing pattern can make things.

“It was an unbelievable ride from Michael Rodd, which won us the race,” Chris said.

Adding even more merit to the performance, Rodd lost his whip at around the 200-metre mark after it was dislodged by another rider — but Larrikin simply kept charging.

“He is having a terrific preparation and has basically been threatening to do that for a while now.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Larrikin pulled up with a couple of minor bumps and bruises, including some puffiness around his near-front knee, which Chris will keep a close eye on.

He has handled the back-up well previously, and there are a couple of options at Eagle Farm this Saturday, but much will depend on how he comes through the week.

For now, the Rogues can enjoy a win worth celebrating.

Congratulations again — there could be plenty more good times to come with Larrikin Rogue.